Rob Manfred says MLB is 'anxious to move forward on Cuba'

NEWARK -- On Monday, the United States and Cuba ended decades of Cold War stalemate by officially reestablishing diplomatic relations. For the first time in 54 years, the two sides reopened embassies in each other's capitals.

"We love countries where baseball is a strong part of the culture, we're very, very interested in Cuba," Manfred said at the Beyond Sports United symposium at Prudential Center. "We have had ongoing dialogue with the Obama administration about developments in Cuba. Obviously we're anxious to move forward on Cuba, but even more important than that, we want to move forward in a way that's consistent with the policy of the federal government."

Cuban talent has been off limits to major league teams since Fidel Castro seized power in 1959, but elite players have still trickled into the United States by escaping the island and defecting. In recent years, Cuban stars such as Yasiel Puig, Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes and Jose Abreu have all excelled in the majors, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the type of talent pool the island of 11 million people might house.

Still, it remains unclear when -- or if -- an MLB pipeline to Cuba might open. For now, Manfred said he hopes to stage exhibition games in Cuba next spring to advance the process of restoring baseball ties with the Caribbean nation.

One of Manfred's long-term priorities, however, is to ultimately establish formal avenues for Cuban baseball players who want to come to the United States and play for MLB teams.

"Over the long haul, we'd like to see a more regularized process for Cuban players to come to the United States and, if they want, return to Cuba," Manfred said. "It's really important to us to have the best athletes in the world playing Major League Baseball and we think a more regularized immigration process would help us in that regard."